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The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #484 17 August 10 . . . because of the temptation to immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband . . . 1 Corinthians 7:2 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Scripture states that a man should have one wife .. Gen 2:24; Mk 10:6-8; 1 Cor 7:2-4 .. As head of the house, man is to have authority over his wife .. Gen 3:16; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:23 .. A husband has certain duties toward his wife other than the usual ones of support, protection, and care. They are: 1. to love her .. Eph 5:25; Col 3:19 .. 2. to live considerately with her .. 1 Pet 3:7 .. 3. to be faithful to her .. Mal 2:14, 15; Prov 5:19 .. 4. to live with her for life .. Matt 19:3-9 .. A husband's duty to his wife precedes his obligations to parents and children; it is second only to his duty to God .. Lk 14:26 and Matt 19:29 Verse 8 of this same chapter says: To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single ... (9) but if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * Something to think about: The most miserable man on earth is not an unsaved man. The most miserable man on earth is a saved man out of fellowship with Jesus Christ. * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Who in the NT saw a vision of a sheet lowered to earth by its four corners and filled with living creatures? 2. Fill in the blank in Jesus' sentence with one word: "No man cometh unto the Father except by _____." * * * * * * * * * Glance at your problems and gaze at your Lord * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “Shew us Thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us Thy salvation." Psalm 85:7 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: There’s a story about a lady who went to a photographer to have her picture made. When she saw it, she didn’t like it. So she took it back and told the photographer, “You’ll have to take this over.” He asked, “What’s wrong with it?” She said, “It doesn’t do me justice.” He looked at it and looked at her and said, “Lady, you don’t need justice; what you need is mercy.” God is just, but we need mercy. If you have never come to the place where you have seen yourself as a lost sinner before Almighty God and cried out to Him for mercy, then you’ve never been saved. ACTION POINT: You may have joined a church, but have you thrown yourself on the mercy of the court? Have you said, “Lord God, be merciful to me, a sinner”? (Luke 18:13) from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Just because something does not make sense to you does not mean it doesn't make sense * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 1 Cor 6:14 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . Rev 19:1-21 As that long-awaited time of Jesus Christ's appearance approaches, the scene in Revelation shifts from earth, where it has been since chapter 6, to heaven. The praise seen in heaven throughout Revelation reaches a crescendo in this text. The heavenly rejoicing is not over those who reject God, but because Christ will soon remove sinners from the world. God will then be properly honored, Christ enthroned, and the earth restored to its lost glory. Heaven rejoices because history is finally going to reach its culmination as the true King establishes His kingdom on earth. As the text unfolds, two major sections emerge. First, five reasons are provided in support of heaven's joy (19:1-10). Second, Christ's glorious return is revealed for John and his readers (verses 11-21). Five reasons for heaven's joy become evident in the first ten verses. . . . . . 5. The Marriage of the Lamb Is Completed. . . "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (19:7-10) The heavenly praise continues rejoicing and giving God glory for the marriage of the Lamb. A marriage was the single greatest celebration and social event of the biblical world. Wedding preparations and celebrations in ancient times were even more elaborate and involved than those of today. They consisted of three distinct stages. First was the betrothal, or engagement. This was an arrangement by both sets of parents contracting the marriage of their children. It was legally binding and could only be broken by a divorce (Matt 1:18-19). The second stage of a wedding was the presentation, a time of festivities just before the actual ceremony. Those festivities could last up to a week or more, depending on the economic and social status of the bride and groom. The third and most significant stage was the actual ceremony, during which the vows were exchanged. At the end of the presentation festivities, the groom and his attendants would go to the bride's house and take her and her bridesmaids to the ceremony. After the ceremony would come a final meal, followed by the consummation of the marriage. The entire heavenly chorus is encouraged to "rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him" because all the preparation is complete and the marriage of the Lamb has come. Betrothed in eternity past, presented in the Father's house since the rapture, the church is now ready for the wedding ceremony to begin. It will coincide with the start of the millennial kingdom and stretch throughout that thousand-year period, finally consummated in the new heavens and the new earth (21:1-2). In the new heavens and the new earth, the bride concept will be expanded to include not only the church, but also all the redeemed of all ages as the New Jerusalem becomes the bridal city. In preparation for her marriage to the Lamb, "His bride has made herself ready." That was not by her own works, but rather by God's gracious working. The bride has made herself ready in the power of God, by the grace of God, through the work of the Spirit of God (Phil 2:12-13; Col 1:29). Purged from all sin and impurity (1 Cor 3:12-15), she is a flawless, blameless virgin. Having been presented glorified and spotless before God's throne, the church is able to "clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean." Fine linen was expensive and beautiful cloth, like that worn by Joseph (Gen 41:42). "Bright" in Greek means "glistening" or "radiant." Such dazzling garments were worn earlier in Revelation by angels (15:6), and will be the clothing of those in heaven when Christ returns (verse 14). Then the angel who had been speaking with John told him, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" This is the fourth of seven beatitudes in Revelation, all introduced by the word "blessed." The recipients of this blessing are "those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." That they are invited guests marks them as a distinct group from the church, since a bride would hardly be invited to her own wedding. These guests represent Old Testament believers. Matthew 8:11 and Luke 13:28 both refer to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as being in the kingdom. Luke 13:28 also mentions the prophets. All the heroes of the faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 will be among the invited guests, as will John the Baptist (Matt 11:11). All the tribulations saints, glorified and still alive on earth and entering the millennial kingdom, will be guests. Some may question why the church-age believers should be granted the honor of being the bride, while believers from other ages are merely guests. But one may equally ask why God singled out Israel to be the covenant people. The only answer to both questions is that God sovereignly purposed that it be so (cf. Deu 7:7-8). It must be remembered that the wedding imagery pictures God's intimate union with His people. There will be no second-class citizens in God's kingdom, just as all the participants in a wedding enjoy the celebration. And in the new heavens and the new earth, all believers of all ages will enjoy the full glories of eternity. The blessed truth that God will be in personal fellowship forever with all the redeemed saints of all the ages is so significant that the angel solemnly affirmed to John, "These are true words of God." So great was John's astonishment at the angel's message that he involuntarily and thoughtlessly fell at his feet to worship him. Calling him back to his senses, the angel said, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God." Like John, the angel was a servant of God. He reminds John that he is to worship God only. The angel's final word to John is a reminder that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." next week: CHRIST'S GLORIOUS RETURN . . . Rev 19:11-21 1. The Return of the Conqueror * * * * * * * * * God's promises are not mottos to hang on the wall. They are checks to take to the bank * * * * * * * * * THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER . . . I want to know Christ and the power that raised Him from the dead . . . Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead. Phil 3:10-11 Jesus saw people enslaved by their fear of death. He explained that the river of death was nothing to fear. The people wouldn't believe Him. He touched a boy and called him back to life. The followers were still unconvinced. He whispered life into the dead body of a girl. The people were still cynical. He let a dead man spend four days in a grave and then called him out. Is that enough? Apparently not. For it was necessary for Him to enter the river, to submerge Himself in the water of death before people would believe that death had been conquered. But after He did, after He came out on the other side of death's river, it was time to sing . . . it was time to celebrate. * * * * * * * * * Don't judge God by your circumstances. If you do, you will lose your faith. * * * * * * * * * BRIDGING THE GAP TO TRUE WORSHIP * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering . . . Matt 5:24 NO MATTER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE for a severed relationship -- and often both sides bear some guilt -- it's essential to reconcile before going to God in worship. Even if you have nothing against the other person and the fault lies entirely with them, you should do everything possible to settle things. You can't change another's heart attitude, but you should desire to close the gap between yourself and the other person and hold no grudge against him or her -- then you can enter freely and fully into divine worship. Better music, more eloquent prayers, or more classic architecture -- none of these will enhance true worship. Even better or more biblical preaching will not of itself improve our worship experience. However, a contrite and righteous attitude toward God and our brothers and sisters will enhance genuine worship. Sometimes the drastic measure of staying away from church for a time until a broken or strained relationship is right is the only action that will make our worship God-honoring. Long before Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, Samuel said, "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams" (1 Sam 15:22). After that the psalmist said, "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear" (Ps 66:18). If sin remains unconfessed and relationships broken, there will be no integrity in our worship. Ask YOURSELF Again, you are responsible only for the condition of your own heart, not another's. But can you honestly say today that you have made peace in your heart with those who have been at odds with you? Have you forgiven? Have you sought renewed relationship? * * * * * * * * * The suffering that you have now is just the black velvet upon which the diamond of God's glory is going to be revealed. * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Who in the NT saw a vision of a sheet lowered to earth by its four corners and filled with living creatures? A. Peter Acts 10:10-12 2. Fill in the blank in Jesus' sentence with one word: "No man cometh unto the Father except by _____." A. Me John 14:6 * * * * * * * * * "Attiyq Youm - The Ancient of Days" What do you think about when you hear this name for God - "Ancient of Days"? Isaiah 46:9-10 says, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure." Only God can tell in ancient times the things that are not yet done. Thomas Watson, who was the chairman of IBM, said in 1943, that there's a world market for maybe five computers. In 1977 Ken Olsen, the founder of Digital Equipment, said, "There's no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." It's comments like these that help us see how foolish we are to think we can know the future. Only God is the Ancient of Days. Related Scripture Daniel 7:9, 13, 14 * * * * * * * * * When you are in a storm, what seems to be a problem to you is not a problem to God * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: (I believe I have put this in at one time . . but it was so cute, had to put it in again, for the 'new readers' . . ) A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery Store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?" The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right." The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven." The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on ... You don't even know the way to the Post Office." Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net No hard feelings Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #483 10 August 10 . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness . . . 1 John 1:9 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list readers!! God loves you . . Following salvation, Christians are still capable of sin despite the radical change which has taken place in their lives, and they still need to be cleansed. 1 John deals with this practical problem. There are three aspects to this cleansing: 1. the means of cleansing -- the blood of Christ verse 7 2. the method of cleansing -- confession of sin verse 9 3. the measure of cleansing -- from all unrighteousness verse 9. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What two kinds of food were said to be flowing in the Promised Land? 2. What is the first sin recorded in the Bible? * * * * * * * * * God is not interested so much in making you happy and healthy as He is in making you holy * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:4-5 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: One thing you’ll never see is a fruit factory. You’ll see factories for making clothing, cars, and computers, but not a fruit factory. Instead, fruit is grown in an orchard. It is dependent upon life. There is no fruit without life. The only way that fruit is going to ripen and grow is in the right climate and with the right nutrients. Just like we can’t grow bananas in Alaska, we can’t grow and produce the fruit of the Spirit unless we’re in the place where the Spirit can produce His fruit in us. And that place is walking and abiding in the Spirit. ACTION POINT: Read Galatians 5:22-25 today and ask God to help you abide in the Spirit to produce the fruit He desires in your life. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * God's will is not something you have to do; it's something you get to do * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: Jesus said, 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven' Matt 19:14 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . Rev 19:1-21 As that long-awaited time of Jesus Christ's appearance approaches, the scene in Revelation shifts from earth, where it has been since chapter 6, to heaven. The praise seen in heaven throughout Revelation reaches a crescendo in this text. The heavenly rejoicing is not over those who reject God, but because Christ will soon remove sinners from the world. God will then be properly honored, Christ enthroned, and the earth restored to its lost glory. Heaven rejoices because history is finally going to reach its culmination as the true King establishes His kingdom on earth. As the text unfolds, two major sections emerge. First, five reasons are provided in support of heaven's joy (19:1-10). Second, Christ's glorious return is revealed for John and his readers (verses 11-21). THE REASONS FOR HEAVEN'S JOY Five reasons for heaven's joy become evident in the first ten verses. . . . . . 2. Justice Is Provided. "because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her." (19:2) Heaven also rejoices because God's judgments are "true and righteous" as evidenced by the destruction of wicked Babylon. Babylon is identified as "the great harlot" (17:1, 15-16), Satan and Antichrist's system that seduced the unbelieving world to believe Satan's lies. A further reason for Babylon's judgment was her mistreatment of God's people (18:24). As a result, God has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her. That God will exact vengeance for His people is clearly taught in Scripture ( Deut 32:42-43). 3. Rebellion Is Ended And a second time they said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever." (19:3) Babylon's judgment provoked the first outburst of heavenly rejoicing. The aftemath of her destruction prompts the heavenly chorus to again say, "Hallelujah!" At the climax of her judgment, Babylon was "burned up with fire" (18:8), and sinners mourned as they watched the pall of smoke rise into the sky (18:9, 18). That smoke "rises up forever and ever" indicates that this judgment is final and irreversible. The language is similar to that used of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:28), and Edom (Isa 34:10). The destruction of the last and most powerful empire in human history marks the end of human rule. The rebellion that began in the garden of Eden is finally ended, apart from the revolt at the end of the millennium (20:7-10). There will be no more false religion or injustice. 4. God Is in Control And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great." Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns." (19:4-6) Hallelujahs also ring out from other heavenly residents. The twenty-four elders are best seen as representatives of the church. The four living creatures are cherubim, a high-ranking order of angels. Prostrate before God's throne, the two new additions to the heavenly chorus cried out, "Amen. Hallelujah!" That phrase comes from Psalm 106:48 and indicates their solemn agreement with the heavenly rejoicing over Babylon's downfall. The text does not identify the owner of the voice from the throne, but it is likely an angel, since he refers to God as "our God." The voice authoritatively calls another group to join in the praise, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great." The redeemed believers in heaven are described as God's bond-servants (vs 2; cl. 1:1; 2:20). The all-inclusive phrase "the small and the great" transcends all human categories to embrace everyone. All the redeemed are called to praise God. When the redeemed obeyed the command from the heavenly voice and added their voices to the heavenly chorus, John "heard something like the voice of a great multitude." The loud chorus of praise rose to a deafening level. The apostle likened it to "the sound of many waters and . . . the sound of mighty peals of thunder." The fitting finale to the heavenly oratorio of praise is a fourth "Hallelujah!" followed by the motive for it -- "For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns." The evil world system has been destroyed. God's kingdom has come in its fullness. next week: 5. The Marriage of the Lamb Is Completed. . . * * * * * * * * * The least amount of faith is greater than the greatest amount of difficulty * * * * * * * * * Here is a long time favorite Praise song: Thy loving kindness, is better than life Thy loving kindness is better than life My lips shall Praise Thee, thus will I bless Thee I will lift up my hands unto Thy name I lift my hands Lord, unto Thy Name I lift my hands Lord, unto Thy Name My lips shall Praise Thee, thus will I bless Thee I will lift up my hands unto Thy Name * * * * * * * * * You must be seeking the face of God in order for Him to guide you by His eye * * * * * * * * * HATRED BLOCKS REAL WORSHIP * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you . . . Matt 5:23 OUTWARD ACTS OF WORSHIP ARE unacceptable to God as long as we harbor internal sin. They are particularly offensive if we retain a hateful attitude toward a brother and yet attempt to come before God. Worship is important for most religious people today. They can spend much time in places of worship, offering prayers, giving tithes, and doing all sorts of religious activities. But, as with the scribes and Pharisees, none of it is meaningful of carried out with the wrong attitude. Presenting an offering at the altar was a familiar scene for Jesus' listeners. On the Day of Atonement, for example, worshipers would bring animal sacrifices and give them to the priest as sin offerings. But that process must halt if the worshiper were to remember some hatred between himself and a brother. Unresolved conflict has priority over external ceremony and must be settled. Sin between us and other brethren must be resolved before we can bridge the gap of sin between us and God. The Lord told Israel, "What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me? . . . I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; and I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats . . . Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good" (Isa 1:11, 16-17a). Ask YOURSELF This is a call for worship to matter, and for relationship with God to be taken seriously. More than a Sunday morning verse, it's a principle demanding conciliatory action in the days prior to the Lord's day. Is there such a matter occurring in your life situation right now? * * * * * * * * * A Christian with a testimony is never at the mercy of an unbeliever with an argument * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What two kinds of food were said to be flowing in the Promised Land? A. Milk and honey Ex 3:8 2. What is the first sin recorded in the Bible? A. Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. Gen 3 * * * * * * * * * "Alpha and Omega" The noted historian, H. G. Wells, made a list of the ten greatest men of history and number one on that list was Jesus Christ. But, Jesus doesn't belong on that list. He doesn't belong on anybody's list. He is Jesus the First and the Last. Jesus said in Revelation, "I am Alpha and Omega." Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last. If Jesus was speaking to an English audience, He would say, "I am A and Z." Did you know that the Bible is made up of just twenty-six letters? What Jesus is saying about the written word is true about the living Word. John chapter one tells us that "In the beginning was the Word ... and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." Jesus was in the beginning as the Word of God. And He is God's final word for all eternity. Related Scripture Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13 * * * * * * * * * This week's chuckle: (I believe I have put this in at one time . . but it was so cute, had to put it in again, for the 'new readers' . . ) A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery Store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?" The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right." The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven." The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on ... You don't even know the way to the Post Office." Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net No hard feelings Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #481 27 July 10 . . . My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins . . . James 5:19-20 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list readers . . God loves you! James [the above verse] is not speaking here of one who has departed from theological truth or Christian belief, but of one who has departed from the practice of the faith in his daily life and conduct. A concern for one's bodily infirmities (ver 14) and prayer for deliverance is no more important than prayer for, and deliverance of, a brother who has a need for spiritual help. To aid in bringing back anyone to the right path is a necessary work for all believers, and in so doing they will save his soul from death. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. What are the first three words in the Bible? 2. On which number of the seven days of Creation did God create "day" and "night"? * * * * * * * * * The joy of the Lord is my strength * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” Ps 18:2 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Do you know the greatest thing you could do that would give God glory? It’s not to give a million dollars. It’s not to give your body to be burned. It’s not to go overseas as a missionary. The greatest thing you could do to glorify God is to believe God. Faith says, “God, You are trustworthy.” Don’t just sing about your belief in a great God or pray about your belief in a great God or even read about your belief in a great God. You must believe Him. A strong faith glorifies God! ACTION POINT: Meditate on the names of God today: Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Bright and Morning Star, Dayspring, The Good Shepherd, Messiah, Alpha and Omega. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Cut yourself l o o s e from yesterday * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses Mark 11:25 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near JUDGMENT ENJOYED . . . Rev 18:20-23a "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her." (18:20) Heaven will have quite a different perspective than Antichrist's earthly followers. The angel who began speaking in verse 4 then addressed the redeemed in heaven: the saints and apostles and prophets. He calls on them to rejoice over Babylon's fall, "because God has pronounced judgment . . . against her." Heaven rejoices, because of the triumph of righteousness, the exaltation of Jesus Christ, and the arrival of His kingdom on the earth. JUDGMENT COMPLETED Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer. And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill not be heard in you any longer; and the light of a lamp will not shine in you any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard in you any longer; (18:21-23a) Another strong angel (cf. 5:2; 10:1) now appeared in the vision. In a dramatic act. He "took up a stone like a great millstone [typically four to five feet in diameter, a foot thick, and very heavy] and threw it into the sea." "So," explained the angel, "will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer." In one moment, as that stone disappeared into the sea, Babylon will disappear. So complete will be Babylon's destruction that none of the normal activities of human life will take place. There will be no music, now working, no preparing of food, no light, and no marriage. Babylon will be so thoroughly destroyed that it will never rise again, as predicted by the Old Testament prophets .. Isa 13:19-22; 14:22-23; Jer 50:13, 39; 51:37 .. next week: JUDGMENT JUSTIFIED . . . Rev 18:23b - 24 * * * * * * * * * Christ won't transform my problem until I transfer it to Him * * * * * * * * * FOOTPRINTS ... A New Version Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling, His consistently... You and Jesus are walking as true friends! This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.. This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints.. They have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray: 'Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You.' 'That is correct.' 'And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely..' 'Very good.. You have understood everything so far..' When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way.' 'Precisely.' 'So, Lord, was there a regression or something ? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first.' There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice. 'You didn't know? It was then that we danced!' * * * * * * * * * You can save a lot of time by waiting on God * * * * * * * * * SLANDER EQUALS MURDER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Whoever says to his brother, "You good-for-nothing," shall be guilty before the court Matt 5:22b THE WORD (RACA) TRANSLATED by the New American Standard Bible "good-for-nothing" has been variously rendered elsewhere as "brainless idiot," "worthless fellow," "blockhead," and the like. It was a term of malicious abuse and slander that really has no precise modern translation. David graphically described persons who used such slander as those who "sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison of a viper is under their lips" (Ps 140:3). The Roman soldiers who tortured and crucified Jesus could well have used the term to mock and disrespect him (cf. Matt 27:29-31). According to Jewish legend, a young rabbi had just come from a session with his famous teacher. He felt especially proud of how he had handled himself before the teacher. As he basked in those feelings of superiority, he passed an especially unattractive man who greeted him. The young rabbi responded, "You Raca! How ugly you are. Are all men of your town as ugly as you?" "That I do not know," the man replied, "but go and tell the maker who created me how ugly is the creature He has made." To slander someone made in God's image is to slander God Himself and is the same as murdering that person. Jesus called such harsh contempt murder of the heart. The contemptuous person was as much as "guilty before the supreme court" (the Jewish Sanhedrin, which tried the most serious cases and pronounced the ultimate penalty -- death). We dare not trifle with any kind of contemptuous language toward others. Ask YOURSELF Remember, this is not just an injunction against speaking unkind, judgmental words, but also of thinking them in our minds. When God has led you to seasons of victory in your thought life, how has He accomplished it? What stopped evil thoughts from ever coming up? * * * * * * * * * We do not fight for victory: we fight from victory. The victory was won at Calvary! * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. What are the first three words in the Bible? A. In the beginning Gen 1:1 2. On which number of the seven days of Creation did God create "day" and "night"? A. 1st Gen 1:5 * * * * * * * * * "ABBA - FATHER" Have you ever thought about God as a daddy? Galations 4:6 says, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Abba is the Aramaic word meaning Daddy, Father. It's a term of warm affection, intimacy, and respect for one's father. Now, to some that may sound like an irreverent way to address God, but Jesus called God, "Our Father," in Matthew 6:9 and He gave us that same right. In America, children call their fathers, Daddy. But in the middle East, they say Abba. Jesus says that we can call the great God of the Universe, Abba Father. Daddy Father. Related Scripture Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15 Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net No hard feelings Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #479 13 July 10 . . . Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one . . . James 1:13 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Let me please say "Thank you for your encouraging words!" you make my day . . . I love the book of James . . . My study Bible helps us to understand the teaching on the above verse by saying to tempt is to test, with a view to revealing the quality of a person's character. This testing often involves applying pressure to induce a person to violate his own code of ethics and so lead him into sin. James states that God never takes the initiative in tempting a man to sin; this impulse comes rather from personal weakness in the face of some incitement or pressure. Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire .. verse 14 .. But God does permit the Christian to undergo trials and testings for the purpose of perfecting his faith and purifying his heart. Verse 2 and 1 Peter 1:6 speak of trials and not temptations. When believers fall through temptation it often occurs because they walk into it themselves. They are so careless and ill-prepared for their spiritual warfare that they may fall into temptation unrestrained by God. For this reason we are constantly to pray: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil .. Matt 6:13 .. Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Fill in the following blank with one word concerning the second coming of Jesus: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the ------". 2. How long is 1,000 years in the eyes of the Lord according to Peter" * * * * * * * * * Get right with God .. Study His Word .. Know His Truth * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom 1:16 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: A young preacher was called out of a life of sin to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. While in the pulpit one day, he received a note in which someone had written all his past sins. In addition it read, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? And you’re up there telling people to get right with God!” Do you know what the young preacher did? He read that note, bowed his head in prayer, stood up and said, “Ladies and gentleman I have received a note, and here is what it says.” Then, in front of that whole crowd, he read every one of those sins. Then he said this: “Yes, I am ashamed of myself, but I am not ashamed of my Savior!” Are you ashamed to put a Bible on your desk at work? Are you ashamed to bow your head in the cafeteria? Are you ashamed to invite people to Jesus Christ? Are you ashamed of the One who died for you? A little boy had a dog, and somebody asked him what kind of dog he was. He was just a mongrel, but the little fellow said, “Well, he’s a police dog.” The friend said, “He doesn’t look like a police dog.” The little guy replied, “He’s in the secret service.” I’m afraid that there are many of us who are in the secret service. We ought to be open and bold for the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. ACTION POINT: What are some past sins in your life that are holding you back from fully proclaiming God’s power to others? Confess them and bury them in His sea of forgetfulness. Ask God to lead you out in strength and boldness today to live for Him and proclaim His love to others. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * Though Christians aren't sinless .. they do sin less * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: We love because He first loved us . 1 John 4:19 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near JUDGMENT DEFINED . . . Rev 18:6-8 "Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she shays in her heart, 'I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.' For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong." The angel now speaks to God. His call for vengeance on Babylon parallels the prayers of the martyred saints recorded in 6:9-10. Babylon has been extended enough grace and heard enough warnings. It is time for her destruction. The angel's plea is reminiscent of the Old Testament saints' pleas for vengeance on ancient Babylon. In Psalm 137:8 the psalmist wrote, "O daughter of Babylon, you devastated one, how blessed will be the one who repays you with the recompense with which you have repaid us." Jeremiah also pleaded for vengeance on Babylon .. Jer 50:14-15, 29 .. The angel's request that God give back to Babylon double "according to her deeds" (literally "double the double things"  is a request that Babylon's punishment fit her crimes. Double has been her iniquity, double will be her punishment.Further stating his request that God fully punish Babylon, the angel asks that "in the cup which she has mixed," God would "mix twice as much for her." Fittingly, in the very cup that Babylon used to deceive the nations (verse 3: 14:8; 17:2, 4) she is to receive a double portion of God's wrath. The imagery of the cup of God's wrath also appears in 14:10 and 16:9. Then the angel calls on God a third time to exact complete vengeance on Babylon. "To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.'" the phrase to the degree" is a call to match the punishment to the crime, a biblical principle .. Pro 29:23; Isa 3:16ff; Lk 1:51; 14:11 .. Three sins call for Babylon's judgment. First, she was proud. She glorified herself. Second, she pursued self-gratification. She lived sensuously. Third, she was guilty of self-sufficiency. She said in her heart, "I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning." For those three sins Babylon will receive torment and mourning. The Greek word for "torment" literally means torture. "Mourning" refers to the grief that the torture produces. Hell will be a place of both unimaginable torment .. 20:10; Lk 16:23-224, 28 .. and crushing grief .. Matt 8:12; 13:42 .. Then the angel notes that in "one day her plagues will come." Babylon's destruction will not be progressive. The wicked city will be instantly destroyed. Daniel 5 records the similar fate that befell ancient Babylon; the city fell the very night that God wrote its doom on the wall of the king's palace .. Dan 5:30 .. As noted, the plagues that will destroy Babylon are specific judgments on that city, possibly in connection with the seventh bowl. Three plagues will result in Babylon's complete devastation: pestilence and mourning and famine -- heaven's fitting answer to her proud boast. After those three plagues have run their course, Babylon will be burned up with fire. next week: JUDGMENT LAMENTED . . . Rev 18:9-19 * * * * * * * * * How much does sin weigh? Just as a corpse feel no weight -- neither does an unbeliever * * * * * * * * * Q & A with McGee: Q. What do you mean when you say that there is a danger in getting familiar with Jesus? A. What I mean by familiarity is just exactly that. I do not like these names that are being adopted by little groups today that they are "friends" of Jesus or "brothers" of Jesus. Someone is sure to argue, "But it's used in Scripture!" Yes, but it's used in Scripture in a very reverent sort of way. You know there is an idea today that somehow or another when we see the Lord Jesus someday we're going to be very familiar with Him. I heard a preacher of a certain persuasion one night make this statement: "When I get into the presence of the Lord Jesus I'm going to rush right up to Him, I'm going to pat Him on the back, and thank Him." Well I don't think that you're going to pat Him on the back, friends! The thing is that we're told when we come into the presence of the Lord Jesus He is God, and He is the mediator between God and man. When you come there, you come reverently. And I think today that there is this overzealous idea of trying to bring Jesus down into the crowd. Well, you can't bring Him down into the crowd; if you do, you are wrong. What He wants to do is bring you up out of the crowd and make you one of His! * * * * * * * * * No one has ever sinned themselves beyond the love of God * * * * * * * * * JESUS ON MURDER: CONTRAST TO THE RABBIS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You have heard that the ancients were told, "You shall not commit murder" and "Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court." But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; Matt 5:21-22a WITH JUST TWO SENTENCES JESUS shatters the rabbinic view of murder, which was so complacently self-righteous. Because of their externalism and legalism, the Jews had an inflated view of themselves. But Jesus destroyed that thinking with the declaration that a person guilty of anger, hatred, cursing, or defamation against another is guilty of murder and worthy of a murderer's punishment. All anger, hatred, etc., is incipient murder, as the apostle John writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" .. 1 Jn 3:15a .. By that biblical standard, we are all guilty of murder -- after all, who has not hated someone at one time or another? Not only does Jesus here sweep away the rubbish of the rabbinic, traditional view of murder, His total indictment blasts away any notion of self-justification so common to everyone. The way the Jews thought in Jesus' time is identical to people's prevalent thinking today. Even believers can feel proud that they are "not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers" .. Lk 18:11 .. and we could add "murderers." Jesus in that parable and in this passage says we are all potentially capable of the worst sins, even murder, because of the sometimes evil attitudes of our hearts.' Not to consider the state of your heart and confess thoughts of anger and hatred, which can lead to taking someone's life, is not to consider that the Lord can hold you guilty of murder. Ask YOURSELF What benefit is found in knowing that you and I are capable of the most heinous crimes imaginable? Does recognizing this startling piece of information have an effect on your relationship with God and your resultant manner of living? * * * * * * * * * Whatever Satan can get you to laugh at, you'll never take seriously again * * * * * * * * * Q & A with McGee: Q. What do you mean when you say that there is a danger in getting familiar with Jesus? A. What I mean by familiarity is just exactly that. I do not like these names that are being adopted by little groups today that they are "friends" of Jesus or "brothers" of Jesus. Someone is sure to argue, "But it's used in Scripture!" Yes, but it's used in Scripture in a very reverent sort of way. You know there is an idea today that somehow or antoher when we see the Lord Jesus someday we're going to be very familiar with Him. I heard a preacher of a certain persuasion one night make this statement: "When I get into the presence of the Lord Jesus I'm going to rush right up to Him, I'm going to pat Him on the back, and thank Him." Well I don't think that you're going to pat Him on the back, friends! The thing is that we're told when we come into the presence of the Lord Jesus He is God, and He is the mediator between God and man. When you come there, you come reverently. And I think today that there is this overzealous idea of trying to bring Jesus down intot he crowd. Well, you can't bring Him down into the crowd; if you do, you are wrong. What He wants to do is bring you up out of the crowd and make you one of His! * * * * * * * * * Nothing is more destructive than sin. Sin fascinates, and then it assassinates. Sin thrills, and then it kills. * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Fill in the following blank with one word concerning the second coming of Jesus: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the ------". A. Night 1 Thess 5:4 2. How long is 1,000 years in the eyes of the Lord according to Peter" A. 1 day 2 Peter 3:8 * * * * * * * * * Quoted by Richard M. Nixon .. August 8, 1968 "Let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth; to see it like it is and tell it like it is; to find the truth, to speak the truth, and to live the truth" Here are a couple of funny Church 'Bulletin bloopers' I want to share with you: "Potluck supper Sunday at 5. Prayer and medication to follow." "Attend our prayer breakfast next Saturday! You will hear an excellent speaker and heave a hearty meal!" Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net No hard feelings Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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| Name: Max Hashbarger From: Mexico E-mail: Contact |
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living #470 11 May 10 . . . For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery . . . Galations 5:1 Grateful for . . . . THE WORD OF GOD ! (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) Greetings! Welcome to our new list reader! God loves you .. The above verse is in a chapter that teaches us about the effect of Christian liberty .. Christian liberty is a consequence of salvation by grace, and is secured to the believer in and through Jesus Christ .. Col 1:13; Gal 4:3-5 .. Liberty is freedom: 1. from the law Rom 7:6; 8:2 2. from the curse of the law Gal 3:13 3. from the fear of death Heb 2:15 4. from sin Rom 6:7, 18 5. from the yoke of Old Testament ritual ordinances Gal 4:3; Col 2:20 But liberty must never be used as a cloak for sin; liberty must not become license. While the believer should resist any threat to his true liberty under the gospel, he must also remember that his very liberty has brought him into total subjection to Christ, whose servant he is and whom he must always obey .. Rom 12:1 .. Paradoxically the Christian finds his greatest liberty when he is in bondage to Jesus Christ. [!] Be a blessing this week! * * * * * * * * * SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: When God leads, He doesn't always lead over clover. He doesn't always lead through pathways strewn with flowers. He doesn't always lead going downhill. He doesn't always lead by removing the stones. Because everything is going easy in your life doesn't mean, my friend, that you're in God's will. This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ] 1. Complete the following verse: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved . . ." 2. In what year were the Dead Sea Scrolls found? * * * * * * * * * God doesn't want you to serve Him in your poor little old weak way. He wants you to serve Him in His mighty, dynamic way * * * * * * * * * BIBLE MEDITATION: “... Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God.” Rev 19:1b DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I’ve never performed a wedding where there wasn’t a beautiful bride, but no bride can compare in beauty to the one we’ll behold when Jesus returns to claim us, the Bride of Christ. You see, when we were saved, we were espoused to Christ, and an espousal is a little bit stronger than an engagement. An engagement is a promise to marry, but an espousal is a promise that you belong to this person even though the marriage has not yet been consummated. Every child of God already belongs to Him. When we become espoused to Christ, He gives us something better than an engagement ring. He gives us the Holy Spirit. ACTION POINT: Read Revelation 19, then spend a few moments worshipping Him. from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers * * * * * * * * * We become like what we worship. True worship will make us more like God * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blessing: 'In Him we live and move and have our being' .. 'For we are indeed His offspring.' Acts 17:28a/c * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * If you are saved, you will have a desire to be holy, a hunger for the Word, the inner witness of the Spirit, and a desire to share Jesus. These are the birthmarks of the believer. * * * * * * * * * This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 16:1-21 THE SIXTH BOWL . . The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. ("Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame." And they gathnered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. 16:12-16 Unlike the previous five bowls, the sixth has no specific assault on humanity but prepares for what is to come. When his turn came, the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. The Euphrates appeared earlier in Revelation in connection with the sixth trumpet judgment (9:14), when two hundred million demons who were bound near it were released. It was considered the longest and most significant river in the Middle East and therefore called the great river. Its source is in the snowfields and ice cap high on the slopes of Mount Ararat (located in modern Turkey), from which it flows some eighteen hundred miles before emptying into the Persian Gulf. In ancient times the garden of Eden was located in the vicinity of the Euphrates .. Gen 2:10-14 .. The Euphrates also formed the eastern boundary of the land God gave to Israel .. Gen 15:18; Deut 1:7; 11:24; Josh 1:4 .. Along with the nearby Tigris, the Euphrates is still the lifeblood of the Fertile Crescent. By the time the sixth bowl is poured out, the Euphrates will be very different than it is today or has ever been. The blazing heat from the sun associated with the fourth bowl will melt the snow and the ice cap on Mount Ararat. That will vastly increase the volume of water in the Euphrates, causing massive damage and flooding along its course. The bridges spanning the river will surely be destroyed. Thus, the reason for the sixth bowl becomes apparent. As the angel dumped his bowl, the Euphrates's "water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east." The eastern armies will need to cross the Euphrates to reach their ultimate destination of Armageddon on the land of Palestine. God's drying up of the Euphrates is not an act of kindness toward the kings from the east, but one of judgment. They and their armies will be entering a deadly trap. The evaporation of the Euphrates will lead them to their doom, just as the parting of the Red Sea led to the destruction the Egyptian army. In a grotesque vision, like something out of a horror movie, John saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs." From the mouth (symbolizing the source of influence) of each member of the unholy trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet) came a foul, unclean spirit resembling a frog. Frogs were unclean animals .. Lev 11:10, 41 .. but these are not literal frogs. John identified the froglike apparitions as spirits of demons. This graphic illustration pictures the cold-blooded vileness of these demons, who seduce the kings from the east into making the difficult journey to their doom at Armageddon under the demons' deluding influence .. 1 Ki 11:19-22 .. Amid all the horrors of judgment, deception, and war comes a word of encouragement to believers: "Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame." This gracious word from heaven will come before the pouring out of the seventh bowl and assure believers that they will not be forgotten. There were similar respites to encourage God's people between the sixth and seventh seals (7:1-17) and between the sixth and seventh trumpets (10:1 - 11:14). Because the bowl judgments take place in a short period of time, the respite between the sixth and seventh bowls is very brief. Then the exalted Lord pronounced the third of seven beatitudes in Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14): "Blessed is the one who stays awake an keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame." This describes those who will be prepared for His arrival. The imagery here is of soldiers alert and on duty. Only a soldier who stays awake and keeps his clothes on is ready for combat. Only those whom Jesus finds prepared when He returns will be blessed. After the brief interlude of encouragement for the redeemed, the prophetic narrative returns to the events of the sixth bowl. The deceiving demon spirits will have gathered the nations "together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon." "Har-Magedon is a Hebrew word meaning "Mount Megiddo." Since there is no specific mountain by that name, and Har can refer to hill country, it is probably a reference to the hill country surrounding the Plain of Megiddo, some sixty miles north of Jerusalem. More than two hundred battles have been fought in that region. The Plain of Megiddo and the nearby Plain of Esdraelon will be the focal point for the Battle of Armageddon, which will rage the entire length of Israel as far south as the Edomite city of Bozrah .. Isa 63:1 .. Other battles will also occur in the vicinity Jerusalem .. Zech 14:1-3 .. [check in the back part of your Bible .. see if there are maps, one in particular, showing the location of "Battle of Armageddon"] next week: THE SEVENTH BOWL . . * * * * * * * * * The Lord never said, "I'll show you . . . then you'll believe." He said, "Believe, then I'll show you." * * * * * * * * * WE MUST RECEIVE, HONOR, AND OBEY THE WORD * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matt 5:18 TO BE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST is to accept what He says about Scripture and to wholeheartedly echo Peter's sentiment: "You have words of eternal life" .. Jn 6:68 .. The privilege of knowing Christ and His Word also carries with it certain essential obligations. First, we must receive God's Word exactly for what it is, "the word implanted, which is able to save your souls" .. Jas 1:21 .. We should be completely receptive because the Word is the highest standard of truth, joy, and blessing, and it tells us of the way to salvation. Second, we are obliged to honor the Scripture. The psalmist wrote, "How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" .. Ps 119:103; cf. Jer 15:16 .. The great Reformer Martin Luther did not fear his human opponents. However when he stood in the pulpit to expound Scripture, his knees often knocked under a sense of awe and duty to honor the Word. Third, we must obey God's Word. The apostle Paul commanded Timothy, ''Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" .. 2 Tim 2:15 .. A key to genuine obedience in the Christian walk is to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within" .. Col 3:16 .. Ask YOURSELF In what ways is the Scripture honored in your home? If this is an area in your family life that has been allowed to slip, what could you begin doing right away to restore the Bible to a place of regular reflection , instruction, and prominence? * * * * * * * * * The least amount of faith is greater than the greatest amount of difficulty * * * * * * * * * Answers to this week's Trivia's: 1. Complete the following verse: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved . . ." A. "it is the power of God." 1 Cor 1:18 2. In what year were the Dead Sea Scrolls found? A. 1947 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A chuckle for you: A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead." Well, you know what they say, 'you ask a silly question . . .' Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!" God loves you and yours . . . He really does! Nancy <\\\><< This week's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:3 Read it out loud a few times, I did. Remember: A man may go to heaven...... without health, without wealth; without fame, without a great name; without learning, without earnings; without culture, without beauty; without friends and without ten thousand other things----- But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. ~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~ This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe: Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
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